![Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Maason Smith (94) stretches during an NFL training camp seventh session at the Miller Electric Center, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3855,h_2168/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01k2mgxwjge47bm7y1f5.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Maason Smith (94) stretches during an NFL training camp seventh session at the Miller Electric Center, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]")
The Jacksonville Jaguars just got much-needed reinforcements on the defensive line ahead of their matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2 of the preseason.
Just days ahead of the bout, the Jags announced that they've activated defensive tackle Maason Smith from the Physically Unable to Perform list.
The team had placed Smith on the PUP list early in training camp with an undisclosed injury. He may not play against the Saints, but the fact that he's back in the fold is encouraging news. With him and fellow defensive tackle Arik Armstead nursing injuries, the front office brought in veteran Austin Johnson as insurance.
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The Jaguars must be hyped up about Maason Smith's return
The Jaguars had been without Maason Smith and Arik Armstead for a while. Knowing the former is back should make everyone sigh in relief. After all, veteran DaVon Hamilton and Jordan Jefferson got extended playing time during their respective absence, and neither was able to stand out.
As noted before, it's not a given that Smith will play in Week 2 of the preseason — the team may want to ease him back into action — but once he returns to the lineup, Jefferson will get back to his rotational role.
The Jaguars didn't seemingly make many upgrades at defensive tackle in the offseason because they expected Smith to make a leap after a strong finish to his rookie season. On top of that, Armstead was switching back to defensive tackle after mostly lining up on the edge in 2024. However, it's now clear that if either one misses time, there will be a noticeable dropoff at the position.
With Maason Smith back, Arik Armstead is next for the Jaguars
After getting Maason Smith back, the Jaguars will now wait for Arik Armstead. The veteran has been dealing with a back injury that forced him to miss training camp. The good news is that he's back in practice. Although the 10-year defensive tackle hasn't participated in team drills, it looks like he's trending in the right direction.
Once Armstead is back, Jacksonville will be set at defensive tackle, and the front four as a whole should perform much better. Pass rushers Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen, and free-agent acquisition Emmanuel Ogbah have wreaked havoc through training camp. Imagine how much better then can be once opposing teams have to account for Armstead and Smith.
For a brief moment, it looked like the Jaguras were close to hitting the panic buton at defensive tackle, but Maason Smith's return just before Week 2 of the preeason gives them a massive boost.